Key Takeaways
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Is it safe to wear a retainer during a workout? In most cases, yes. You can usually keep your retainer in during low-impact activities like running, weightlifting, yoga, and cycling. However, for contact sports or any activity where there's a risk of a blow to the face, it's safer to remove your retainer and wear a sports mouthguard instead.
Knowing when to wear your retainer and when to take it out helps protect both your orthodontic results and your oral health. This guide explains which workouts are safe, when a mouthguard is the better choice, and how to clean and care for your retainer after exercise.
Is It Safe to Wear a Retainer during Low-Impact Workouts?
Yes. You can safely wear your retainer during most low-impact workouts, provided there is little or no risk of facial impact. Activities such as walking, running, cycling, weightlifting, yoga, and Pilates allow your retainer to continue holding your teeth in position without increasing the risk of damage.
Which Workouts Are Safe to Do While Wearing a Retainer?
The following activities are generally safe while wearing a retainer:
- Walking
- Running
- Cycling
- Weightlifting
- Yoga
- Pilates
Since these exercises don't involve direct facial contact, you can usually wear your retainer throughout your workout without interruption.
Is It Safe to Wear a Retainer during High-Impact or Contact Sports?
No. Unlike sports mouthguards, retainers aren't designed to absorb impact. A direct blow can crack the retainer or cause it to press against your teeth and soft tissues, increasing the risk of injury.
If your sport involves contact or a realistic chance of facial impact, remove your retainer before you play and wear a properly fitted sports mouthguard instead.
Which Sports Should You Remove Your Retainer For?
Remove your retainer before activities such as:
- Football
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Boxing
- Martial arts
- Rugby
These sports carry a greater risk of facial impact that could damage your retainer or injure your mouth.
Should You Use a Mouthguard Instead of a Retainer for Sports?
Yes. A sports mouthguard is specifically designed to absorb impact and protect your teeth, gums, and jaw during contact sports. It should always replace your retainer whenever there's a risk of collision. And if you have fixed retainers, make sure to get a custom mouth guard that fits over them.
Should You Skip Retainer Wear Time on Workout Days?
Skipping wear time adds up faster than most people expect. How long you should wear a retainer depends on your stage of treatment, but consistently following your prescribed wear schedule is the best way to prevent your teeth from shifting. Whether you're wearing it full-time or only at night, putting your retainer back in after your workout helps keep your orthodontic results on track.
Stay Active and Healthy While Keeping Your Teeth Straight
Wearing a retainer during exercise is safe for most low-impact activities. For contact sports, remove your retainer and switch to a sports mouthguard designed to absorb impact. By following your wear schedule, cleaning your retainer after workouts, and storing it properly, you can stay active without compromising your orthodontic results.
FAQs
1. Should I wear my retainer while working out?
Yes, for low-impact exercise like running, cycling, or yoga, but take it out for contact sports and wear a mouthguard instead.
2. Can a retainer help with TMJ?
No. Retainers are not made to stabilize the jaw for relaxing TMJ muscles. Get a proper TMJ evaluation from your dentist before relying on one for that purpose.
3. Should I wear my retainer if I have gingivitis?
You can usually keep wearing it, but follow what your dentist or provider says. Also, make sure to clean both your retainer and your teeth more thoroughly and follow up with your dentist about the gum inflammation.
4. When should you not wear your retainer?
Skip it during contact sports, extended swimming sessions in chlorinated pools, or any activity with a real chance of facial impact.
Citations:
Dogramaci, Esma J., and Simon J. Littlewood. “Removable Orthodontic Retainers: Practical Considerations.” BDJ, vol. 230, no. 11, June 2021, pp. 723–30. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-021-2893-3.
